Life By Design Therapy

  I used to think staying informed meant constantly keeping up with the news, but I’ve learned that there’s a difference between awareness and overload. The more we expose ourselves to a nonstop flow of upsetting headlines, the harder it becomes for our nervous system to regulate, leading to heightened anxiety, emotional exhaustion, and even a sense of hopelessness. Setting boundaries with news and social media isn’t about ignoring reality; it’s about protecting your mental and emotional well-being so you can stay engaged without burning out. Here are some practical ways to set these boundaries… 🔹 Check the news at set times instead of throughout the day – Instead of letting news updates flood your entire day, try scheduling specific times to check reliable sources. For example, you might choose to check in once in the morning and once in the evening, rather than refreshing your feed constantly. 🔹 Unfollow accounts that spike panic rather than provide thoughtful information – ...

  If you don’t gently close your workday, it keeps following you into your nights and your body. You leave work, but your nervous system stays braced and alert. Whether you are a student, a parent, or a high achiever, that internal "on" switch can feel impossible to flip. That’s why rest feels so hard. Your body never fully rests when it’s still waiting for the next task. But rest is something you practice. It’s not for "someday" or just for vacation. It’s a skill for every single evening. Your body learns safety through repetition. At Life By Design Therapy ™, our therapists support you in finding your way back to a state of softening. We often see how small, intentional shifts can retrain a nervous system that has forgotten how to be still. Try these four gentle ways to unwind tonight: Choose a daily stop-time. Change clothes right away. Take 10 slow breaths. No screens in the last 30 minutes. Your body can begin to soften. Remember: How you end your day teaches y...

  When the weight of the world feels overwhelming, it’s easy to get stuck in a cycle of anxiety and helplessness. But taking a moment to reflect can help you process what’s weighing on you and find small, meaningful ways to take action. Journaling can be a powerful tool for clarity, self-awareness, and grounding. Use this prompt to explore what’s on your mind and how you can channel your energy in a way that feels aligned with your values. Save this for later or share your thoughts in the comments. 💙 https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/

  When you’re used to showing up, pushing through, or holding things together, rest often becomes conditional… Something we "earn" only after a period of high output. At Life By Design Therapy™, we help you understand that when rest is contingent on a finished to-do list, the body remains in a state of hyper-vigilance. Our therapists support high-achievers in breaking the cycle of "conditional rest". Here are some ways to redefine professional recovery: 🌱 Rest Isn’t a Reward: Your need to rest isn’t tied to what you accomplish. Feeling tired, drained, or overstimulated is just human, not a sign you’ve “failed.” 🌱 Pause to Reset: Slowing down is a skill, not a weakness. Shifting from constant doing to simply being gives your nervous system a chance to breathe and recharge. 🌱 Rest Before You Finish: You don’t have to wait until everything is “done” to take a break. Pausing mid-task tells your body it’s safe to relax, even if the to-do list isn’t empty. If your bra...

  Have you ever felt like you’re going through the motions, but the real "you" is miles away? Disconnection has a way of looking remarkably productive. You can show up for every meeting, manage the kids’ schedules, and hit every deadline… All while feeling quietly hollow inside. It’s easy to mistake this numbness for strength or "just coping." But often, checking out is the only way your nervous system knows how to handle the overwhelm. It’s not a flaw. It’s a shield. At Life By Design Therapy ™, we often see that the way back to yourself isn’t about pushing harder or "fixing" your mindset. It is about safety. Our therapists support you in learning how to drop the shield safely. We help you find the small, subtle cues like warmth, rhythm, or nature that remind your body it’s okay to stop running and start feeling again. You don't have to carry the weight of "doing fine" all by yourself. If you are in California, let’s talk about what support ...

  I’ve noticed that when I’m having trouble focusing, it’s rarely just about distractions. It’s often a sign that my nervous system is overstimulated, overwhelmed, or simply needs a moment of care. In my work (and in my own life), I’ve found that focus isn’t just a mental skill…it’s a whole-body experience . When we feel safe, regulated, and grounded, focus becomes much more accessible. If you’ve been struggling to stay present or productive lately, these 6 nervous-system-based tools can help bring you back into balance: Use your senses to support focus – Gentle sensory input like warm tea, textured objects, or calming music can help anchor you in the moment. Let your body give you feedback – Tune into sensations like tight shoulders or a racing heart. These cues tell you what your body needs like rest, movement, or just a pause. Use grounding practices to become present – Try orienting to your environment, deep breathing, or pressing your feet into the floor. These small practi...